DH has a 15 hp motor (only 63 pounds) that needs a boat. He used to go to fishcamps to rent the boat ... does not seem to be an option any longer in many places. We currently have a pickup TV with 6 feet of usable bed space (2 feet additional is dang tool box) while hauling 21 foot MicroLite TT.

We have looked at the portabotes ($$$), inflatables ($-$$$) & Gheenoe ($$-$$$) and it looks like we will have to put a rack on TV bed although I would like to avoid that expense. Lifting the weight of some of those boats is a bit scary too. We would like to be fishing freshwater to saltwater FL Intercoastal to everglades islands to out just a bit in the gulf.

Would like to help him sort this out a bit so we can get on some tight lines next month up on the panhandle when camping..... any experiences out there to share?

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Terri + Joe + BrewDog Boont
Camping a long weekend every month since starting in May of 2013 in order to practice for retirement .... Florida is a great state to have this bad habit

We use an 8' portabote with an electric trolling motor. The boat (unfolded with seats installed) fits nicely Upside down on the tonneau cover on our 2015 Ford F150. Easy to load and the trolling motor with battery are easier to handle than a gas outboard. It's not fast, but it does fine for our fishing expeditions and exploring the waterways.

Sea Eagle has just come out with a 2-person, 16' inflatable skiff that can take a small gasoline outboard motor (up to 100# and a 15" max. shaft length). We have a 2-person Sea Eagle inflatable kayak that I can easily lift in and out of our 5th wheel basement. We love it for exploring lakes and rivers when RVing. You can take a look at them Here.

Check out the Ultraskif. Around 123 pounds and will fit in the bed of your truck (lengthwise). www.ultraskiff.com Great little fishing boat and extremely stable. I spend most of my time standing while fishing, but the seat I added is very comfortable. I use a 55 lb trolling motor on mine and it moves it along quite nicely.

You are asking a lot out of a small portable boat. Especially when you suggest "a bit in the Gulf". Those waters can change in a heart beat. You may want to check Craigslist for a good used RIB. I have seen one cheap at a church rummage sale and one in a campground in the Port Charlotte area. But I'm sure they are gone by now. Just never know where you will run across what you are looking for. If a RIB would suit you, check sailboats for sale and see if they will separate the RIB.